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The wonder of the Northern Lights never fails to captivate those lucky enough to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Recently, the Northern Lights were visible to the naked eye over most of the US on Thursday night, prompting many to wonder why these spectacular lights have been appearing more frequently.
Astronomers attribute the increased visibility of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, to the current activity level of the sun. The sun operates on an 11-year cycle, with periods of high and low activity. At the peak of this cycle, known as solar maximum, the sun’s magnetic poles flip and it becomes particularly active and turbulent. This increased solar activity results in more frequent and intense displays of the Northern Lights.
NASA explains that during solar maximum, the sun is at its most active, producing bright flares and solar eruptions. The 25th 11-year cycle since recording began back in 1755 is set to begin in 2019 and is expected to peak in the following year, bringing with it heightened solar activity and a greater chance of witnessing the Northern Lights.
The recent increase in Northern Lights activity can also be attributed to a large sunspot eruption that occurred on the sun’s surface on October 8. This eruption sent ions hurtling towards Earth, where they interacted with our planet’s magnetic field to produce the mesmerizing light displays we know as the Northern Lights.
As charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmospheric gasses near the magnetic poles, they release energy in the form of colorful flashing and swirling patterns in the sky. These lights are visible at different wavelengths and create a stunning spectacle for those lucky enough to witness them.
During periods of high solar activity, such as during solar maximum, additional sunspots can produce Coronal Mass Ejections that carry even more charged particles towards Earth. This heightened solar activity increases the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in regions close to the Arctic Circle in the northern hemisphere.
It is recommended to view the Northern Lights from a dark location, away from artificial light pollution, and in a cloud-free area for the best visibility. As the sun continues to approach its peak activity level in the current solar cycle, experts predict that more Coronal Mass Ejections will occur in the coming months, providing ample opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights.
In conclusion, the increased frequency of Northern Lights sightings can be attributed to the sun’s current activity level as it approaches solar maximum in its 11-year cycle. With heightened solar activity comes a greater chance of experiencing the magic of the Aurora Borealis, so be sure to keep an eye on the night sky for a chance to witness this incredible natural phenomenon in all its glory.
